Misuse of Holocaust symbols and names to carry NIS 100,000 fine

Israel to join many European countries that forbid the use of Nazi symbols, calling someone "Nazi."

By LAHAV HARKOV
Haredi wearing yellow star of David 311 (photo credit: jpost.com staff)
Haredi wearing yellow star of David 311
(photo credit: jpost.com staff)
Use of Nazi or Holocaust symbols for non-historical or educational purposes will be illegal if a bill approved by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation Sunday becomes law.
"It's important that Israel join the many European countries that forbid the use of Nazi symbols," said MK Shimon Ohayon (Likud Beytenu), who proposed the bill and plans to bring it to a preliminary vote in the Knesset Wednesday.
According to the proposal, the use of Nazi symbols or Holocaust symbols, calling someone "Nazi" or similar names , or expressing hope that the Nazis' plan will be completed will carry a NIS 100,000 fine and can be the subject of civil suits.
"The growing strength of neo-Nazi groups using these symbols endanger our children, but there as longs as the State of Israel does not forbid their use, we cannot complain when it happens around the world," Ohayon stated.
The Likud Beytenu MK's initiative is nearly identical to one submitted by now-Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel and then-MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) in the last Knesset.